It's exciting to put a house on the market and to think of making memories in a new space! Your home is often one of your biggest financial assets so you definitely want to do your due diligence. Thankfully there are many simple steps you can take to stay ahead of the curve and set yourself up for a seamless, successful experience!
1. Hire an Agent: Don't tackle selling your home on your own - an agent can help! Several months in advance is a great time to begin this process. Finding a reputable, experienced agent through a friend or family member is a great way to go. They can help educate you on expectations, handle all marketing, perform market research for you and so much more!
2. Assess Repairs/Improvements: Months in advance, take time to sit down and document everything that you think will need done to the home before listing. Start "spring cleaning" and donating unused items. This will give you plenty of time to clean over time vs stressing out by only giving yourself one weekend.
3. Ask for Feedback: Have family and friends over for dinner/drinks and ask for their thoughts on the home, inside and out. Be sure to keep an open mind as this is an excellent way to receive honest feedback and avoid any setbacks later on.
4. Plan/Discuss Showings: You'll want to make sure you and your agent have discussed how the home showings will work once on the market. Will you allow showings any time of day or do you prefer set days/times based on when you are not typically home? It's completely up to you and your preference but you need to be on the same page. 5. Stage your Home: There are many easy, affordable steps you can take to make your home more appealing to buyers and proper staging is one of those! You want to keep the typical buyer in mind and your agent can educate you on this as well. They may even have a stager they regularly use if you wish to hire a professional.